tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7517481654327390816.comments2021-01-31T17:36:04.842-05:00Class Reunion Planning 101 (High School or College Reunions)Marilyn Petrokubihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889821596050345772noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7517481654327390816.post-32752493161432786222021-01-31T17:36:04.842-05:002021-01-31T17:36:04.842-05:00In my experience, reunion planning companies seem ...In my experience, reunion planning companies seem to lack the "heart" and "drive" it takes to do a thorough search to find classmates. If you hire one, you should plan to create a committee to help in the search; otherwise you risk having an event with lackluster attendance. <br />That said, they can be helpful in locating venues for you and booking DJs, and manning the registration desk etc. <br />Why don't you take a shortcut and contact the classes above you to see what they did for their recent reunions? If they had positive experiences, you might do well to copy them. If they used a reunion planning company with happy results, you might want to follow their lead.<br /><br />Marilyn Petrokubihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16889821596050345772noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7517481654327390816.post-49355035520644060022012-07-11T11:42:38.172-04:002012-07-11T11:42:38.172-04:00My sister and I have been thinking about starting ...My sister and I have been thinking about starting up our own company that offers <a href="http://classcraftav.com/" rel="nofollow">audio visual services</a> . Both of us were theater majors, and we think it would be really cool to offer <a href="http://classcraftav.com/" rel="nofollow">audio visual services</a> to different theaters as a free lance job. What are some good tips to starting up a business? Are there some catches that we should watch out for?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14782007629795339867noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7517481654327390816.post-35428333587415621712011-09-23T22:43:19.539-04:002011-09-23T22:43:19.539-04:00Sounds like you have been doing a great job!
We ...Sounds like you have been doing a great job! <br />We are currently in the early stages of our 20-yr reunion and our biggest question is: Reunion Planners or Not? This issue has been dragging on all summer and our committee has a few questions we would like to ask you, Marilyn the Reunion Guru (and Lou!). <br />If we organize the reunion ourselves...:<br />- where do we get the money for the deposits (particularly for the hotel for the big shindig)?<br />- can we function with no bank account, just the personal account of one committee member + a Paypal account? (this is what you did?)<br />- have you ever used any ticketing services like Eventbrite or Ticketleap or did you just depend on Paypal and Checks? Did that ever cause a problem?<br />We used a Reunion Planner for our 10-yr and those of us who were behind the scenes were disappointed with their services. The one we are talking to now seems much moire professional but they are still trying to sell us the idea of a $40 memory book (their profit center, I guess) and that just chaps our hides!<br />We are sure we can do this ourselves, but we need some hand-holding...<br />We need guidance! THANKS =)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7517481654327390816.post-88856555503204306022011-06-02T19:15:03.224-04:002011-06-02T19:15:03.224-04:00I can see how a cruise would be excellent for fami...I can see how a cruise would be excellent for family reunions. But what about school reunions? Have you had success with them? Is there anything that planners of school reunions should consider when planning a reunion cruise?Marilyn, Reunion Mavenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15234380309605496045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7517481654327390816.post-19674662929766969202011-06-01T17:07:57.981-04:002011-06-01T17:07:57.981-04:00I think the one thing that is so interesting is th...I think the one thing that is so interesting is that my clients who have had an initial experience with reunion cruises, are typically repeat clients. Their reunion events grow every year, and they are inclined to want to explore longer cruises together to new destinations. I have one family that took their first family reunion in 2009 on a 4 night Bahamas sailing. They loved it so much that they came back and booked a 7 night cruise in 2010 on the Oasis of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's largest ship. Their group grew by over 50% of the first cruise. In August they will do their third reunion. Their group will be 60+ attendees from various cities in the US. Next year, they are already planning to expand their reach to have even more family and friends attend. They have decided that reunions at sea are perfect for every family member and this is a tradition that they plan to continue.Cheryl Austinnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7517481654327390816.post-80845483539178536652011-05-31T17:28:56.632-04:002011-05-31T17:28:56.632-04:00Great to learn that you have successfully booked r...Great to learn that you have successfully booked reunion cruises. Perhaps you can tell us about a particularly interesting one.Marilyn, Reunion Mavenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15234380309605496045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7517481654327390816.post-56664204541421772932011-05-27T12:42:55.966-04:002011-05-27T12:42:55.966-04:00Very good information. Cruising is definately a g...Very good information. Cruising is definately a great alternative to the hotel or resort-type reunions. Let me show you how booking your reunion, no matter what the size, on a cruise ship is perfect for everyone.Linda Hilsonhttp://www.allpointsbeyondtravel.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7517481654327390816.post-4424403996036555802009-09-02T05:03:17.573-04:002009-09-02T05:03:17.573-04:00I am Bonnie from D-Vision Video, we are the compan...I am Bonnie from D-Vision Video, we are the company that is creating the video for the Livingston High School Class of '69 Reunion and providing the projection system. I agree with all the thoughts Marilyn mentioned in her post and I want to add a little more emphasis. <br /><br />Often people on the committee may volunteer to provide a projector they borrow from work and attempt to play their reunion videos on their laptop. Probably the most important aspect of your video is going to be the sound. The audio that is provided through the speakers of your computer would never be able to be heard by anyone in the room. As Marilyn said, you need some way to amplify your audio signal. If you don't have a speaker system there are still a couple of options to consider. <br /><br />If you are having a dj, you might be able to plug into his system and the audio will come directly from his speakers. Just make sure you check with him before hand to make sure he brings the correct cables.<br /><br />If you are having your reunion in a hotel ballroom, it is very likely that they have an in-house stereo system in the room, with speakers in the ceiling. Again, make sure you check with the hotel before you proceed.<br /><br />I also don't recommend using a laptop to play your DVD. As I am sure you are all aware, computers, especially laptops, can be a bit finicky. You don't want your computer to freeze in the middle of playing your video. A regular DVD player, like the ones you have attached to your television or portable ones that you might have for your kids, are much more dependable. <br /><br />Another important piece of advice for the person providing the Projection system is to make sure they arrive at the venue a good hour before the event begins. Even if they have provided you with a diagram of the room, you can't really predict where the best place for the projection system and the screen will be until the night of the event. By getting there early, you can pick your spot and even ask the catering staff to move some tables for you if necessary. We spend that time hooking up the system and also putting tape on the floor to mark where the projector and screen will be in case we need to set up during the party itself. <br /><br />Having a great video will lead to lots of conversation. Enjoy!!<br /><br />Bonnie Durkin<br />D-Vision<br />973-927-1588<br />Check out our video samples at:<br />http://www.vimeo.com/dvisionvideo/videosAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7517481654327390816.post-35460718779309431622009-08-09T20:26:55.964-04:002009-08-09T20:26:55.964-04:00Probably one of the most important considerations ...Probably one of the most important considerations is how to keep the site updated. We built the LHS Class of '69 site using Movable Type content management. There's virtually no programming involved in updating most of the content. That way you can mobilize some volunteers to help or designate a deputy content boss.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16609103631308559132noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7517481654327390816.post-11266643881954100232009-07-23T10:37:11.911-04:002009-07-23T10:37:11.911-04:00Well, first off................" I " did...Well, first off................" I " didn't do the extended party weekend stuff. " WE, "our committee did. I will tell you a few things in this regard. Your readers may be " very close" to their fateful upcoming event, but I'm sure they still have undecided folk out there. I attribute our huge response in attendees to that full schedule of stuff we offered. So, I'd consider making a couple of quick plans [ I'm happy to give you our details and template ] and announce those other opportunities to get together. I'll bet it will stir some " yes responses " from late fence sitters.<br /><br />The Friday night deal and the Sunday brunch were a piece of cake to get done. The high school tour was a bit more in the planing to pull off.<br /><br />Secondly, though all suggestions you've shown are good and fun, if you want ease of participation, the more you plan at the hotel proper, the more numbers I think you'll achieve. Remember, you've got a lot of travel-weary people who barely remember where their home town is, let alone trying to get them all to a certain ball field or picnic ground after they flew half of yesterday. And..........they're OLD !! (or at least some of them are.) This was all part of our thought process, which worked quite well. Our hotel was very accommodating in helping us spend money, so the more "add-ons" to the weekend, the better in their eyes. <br /> <br />Let me know if I can be of any assistance and best of luck to you all !!<br /><br />Lou FinkLou Finknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7517481654327390816.post-70245321283499997772009-07-21T11:46:59.006-04:002009-07-21T11:46:59.006-04:00Yes !!!............ WHY?......... Well, because if...Yes !!!............ WHY?......... Well, because if you don't do it, who will? Sure, if you decide not to the odds are someone else will. But they won't do as good a job as you, will they?<br /><br />Yes, my tongue is in cheek, but not really. I took on the task of heading up the effort for the Livingston N.J. class of '68 40th. We had previous reunions and all were great, but they all have a different feel. Ours did deteriorate in all sincerity. The 10th was run internally, the 20th, 25th, & 30th [ the 30th was horrible, I lied when I said they were all great ] were handled by reunion companies. I'd avoid those like the plague. <br /><br />Our grass roots effort for our 40th sprouted legs and just ran down hill, gravity and love powered, to an experience enjoyed by 275 people,<br /><br />Back to the topic. If you're inclined to take it on, do it. Plan on putting together a team that means something. Sure, some will work harder and better then others, but realize all strengths will rise into their own place of import. I personally am a " tech-no idiot." We ended up with two great minds filling that important spot. Proper use of todays technology is a very necessary tool.<br /><br />We had an invincible feeling once all jobs were defined. Sure we fought, disagreed, but worked it all out.<br /><br />Bottom line, as I said "do it." STARTING EARLY is paramount. Recognizing that it is a ton of work is also very important. Never say never. Make plans for ancillary events [ we did a Friday night welcome dinner, a Saturday AM tour of our H S, our Saturday PM " Big Show " complete with an entertaining video that our committee worked on for over a year, and finally a Sunday AM " Goodbye " brunch.] WHAT A WEEKEND !! ALL well attended, appreciated, and enjoyed top to bottom by the vast majority of our attendees.<br /><br />Roll up your sleeves, USE THE PHONE [ e-mails are great and important but if you have people with good phone presence and sincerity..........me.....and one other dedicated soul in our case ] and make it happen<br /><br />Let me know if I can help, as I seem to really like this stuff. You will too !!!.....now get to work<br /><br />Lou Fink<br /><br />notrealbright@gmail.comAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15471163644049416140noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7517481654327390816.post-61175151861091256112009-07-10T12:24:54.645-04:002009-07-10T12:24:54.645-04:00Middle names. Once you zero in on 5 people the rig...Middle names. Once you zero in on 5 people the right age, check the yearbook for a middle name. There probably aren't too many John Xavier Aloysius Smiths.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16609103631308559132noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7517481654327390816.post-40234237761587887022009-06-30T18:30:03.966-04:002009-06-30T18:30:03.966-04:00Yes, Facebook.com is huge help for searching peopl...Yes, Facebook.com is huge help for searching people for the reunion. We've also created a Group on Facebook for the actual reunion itself. Facebook people can join the Group to share info and pictures.Marilyn, Reunion Mavenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15234380309605496045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7517481654327390816.post-23354203805020281592009-06-30T17:09:43.513-04:002009-06-30T17:09:43.513-04:00As far as using the yearbook blurb for clues about...As far as using the yearbook blurb for clues about the person that may be relevant to them today, that too is a good idea. A long shot sometimes, but some people know early on what their career goals are. I didn't, but some people amaze me.Marilyn, Reunion Mavenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15234380309605496045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7517481654327390816.post-40820309992166530572009-06-30T16:39:42.975-04:002009-06-30T16:39:42.975-04:00Hi. Thanks for the vote of confidence. And you'...Hi. Thanks for the vote of confidence. And you're right, it is a huge undertaking. I also agree that it was not in our best interest to hire a reunion company this time. However, saying they "rip you off" may be a little harsh. <br /><br />Our experience is the past has been that they do an adequate, albeit mediocre, job at finding people, offering venues, and staffing the event.<br /><br />If you talk to them, they will make you doubt your ability to find people yourselves. They make you feel like you couldn't possible handle the task at hand. They may tell you they have proprietary software like the kind the FBI uses to find people. They may suggest that they are professionals who do the job right, and you possibly can't. I don't like that.<br /><br />Keep in mind, it's just a party. And if you want the job done right - to your satisfaction, you can do it yourselves.<br /><br />Nothing beats a highly motivated team of classmates who really care about finding each other. They put their hearts into their work, and they have instincts about their classmates that proprietary software can't rival.<br /><br />The reunion companies take a percentage of your venue costs, and they may offer only a limited number of venues for this reason. My suggestion is to make your own deals with the venues (more on this later) and get the biggest bang for the buck. <br /><br />Of course if you simply can't put a team together, then it's just great that the reunion companies are there to help you get the job done. Just be sure they'll agree to share their database with you at the end. Watch out, because some won't. <br /><br />Either way, I'm sure you'll have a great time no matter what.Marilyn, Reunion Mavenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15234380309605496045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7517481654327390816.post-49673488767769684122009-06-30T15:24:32.397-04:002009-06-30T15:24:32.397-04:00Another common sense tidbit is - find out from you...Another common sense tidbit is - find out from your online or actual class yearbook what career direction the person was thinking about in high school so when you find people with the same name you can then get closer to the guy you are trying to track down by looking for the name and current career. So a guy who was interested in graphic arts just might have a website today featuring his paintings, for example.dougcuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07422980614375719418noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7517481654327390816.post-88390250928081310842009-06-30T15:18:25.011-04:002009-06-30T15:18:25.011-04:00Don't forget Facebook search as well.Don't forget Facebook search as well.dougcuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07422980614375719418noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7517481654327390816.post-2318950661074557602009-06-30T15:05:27.422-04:002009-06-30T15:05:27.422-04:00Marilyn has done an awesome job as the point perso...Marilyn has done an awesome job as the point person for our reunions and the vast knowledge and experience she has gained has probably made her one of the country's foremost experts in how to put one on. That combined with her background in film and video production makes her the perfect type of person for the job.<br />That said, I can tell you that it is a huge undertaking and a pain in the ass. You really must enroll classmates to get on board and help with all aspects of the event - from tracking classmates to selecting the venue to working the web. In the end it's all worth it and the experience we've had is one of friendships renewed and bonded forever.<br />whatever you do DO NOT HIRE A COMPANY to do the work for you. They are reunion factories, they will rip you off and the event will never be as good. We learned that one the hard way. You're better off getting a large group of enthusiastic alums to pitch in. The other thing I recommend is to start about 40 years in advance. Don't wait for the last ten years or so you get your lists together.<br />BarryBarryhttp://www.barryshapiro.netnoreply@blogger.com